Constipation is a condition that most of us have to experience at least once in our lifetimes. It is a condition where bowel movements are infrequent, and stool can become really hard to pass. For some people, the condition is temporary. They may be constipated for a day or two, and then everything goes back to normal. However, for many others, the condition is much more severe. Chronic constipation can mean days, and even weeks without passing stool, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.
There are numerous medications available in the market for treating constipation. Unfortunately not all of these medications are natural, and some may even cause several unpleasant side effects. So, it’s best to avoid those medications, and opt for any of the following home remedies to rid yourself of chronic constipation.
Lemon Water
Squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup or a glass of water every day, and drink it up. Lemons are known for having a high concentration of citric acid, which is a toxin cleaner meant to flush out toxic substances from your body. Lemon water is not just a constipation reliever; it also enables us to drink more fluids every day, which in itself is greatly beneficial for our digestive system in the long run.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is generally known to have numerous benefits. Ginger has a certain warming quality, which makes it ideal for people suffering from throat problems and cough and cold related infections. But this warming quality of ginger also has a positive effect in those who suffer from sluggish digestion. If you don’t really like ginger, you could choose either peppermint or dandelion tea too, which also help in relieving constipation.
Coffee
Coffee can be a great constipation reliever. If you haven’t passed any stool in some time, drink a cup or two of coffee. Caffeine is known to stimulate the digestive tract, and it may promote faster bowel movement. However, using coffee to cure constipation requires you to increase your fluid intake. As coffee is a diuretic, it might adversely affect your condition if you don’t balance its intake with sufficient intake of water and other hydrating fluids.
Fiber
A lot of natural foods have fiber, and it is just what you need if you have been suffering from a bout of constipation. Our bodies aren’t designed to digest fiber. So, when it enters our gut, it does not get absorbed. Instead, it absorbs all the water around it, which in turn results in it swelling. This softens up the stool, and adds some much necessary bulk to it, which helps in promoting bowel movement. Like coffee, fiber intake should be complimented by regular hydration. Psyllium husk is a great example of a fiber that is commonly used for relieving constipation and other digestive troubles.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is yet another well known cure for constipation, and the oil takes only around 8 hours to show its results. Simply take a spoon or two of the oil when your stomach is empty, and then simply wait for the results. Castor oil is known for a certain component that breaks down in the gut to form a substance that stimulates both our small and large intestines.
Exercise
No matter what you include in your diet, your constipation problems would never truly be over unless you spare some time each day for exercise. Exercise stimulates the digestive activity inside your body, while being lazy and not being very active does the exact opposite. Even a 10 or 15 minute workout each day can help you with your constipation troubles.
The cure to constipation is not just eating the right things, but also living the right way. So, combine the appropriate diet with the appropriate exercise, and you would surely bid goodbye to your constipation in time.
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